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Leon Osman hopes Kevin Mirallas will be in Everton frame for run-in

Everton's Leon Osman believes Kevin Mirallas could have a key role to play in the run-in and hopes he can stay fit.

Last Updated: 01/04/13 3:24pm

Kevin Mirallas: Scored Everton's winner at the weekend

The Belgian scored the Toffees' winner in the 1-0 Premier League victory over Stoke on Saturday to keep them in contention for a European place, with David Moyes' men currently sixth and four points outside the top four.

However Mirallas, who has now scored six goals for Everton this season, was substituted 10 minutes before the end at Goodison Park with a reported groin problem.

Injuries have hindered the 25-year-old's start to life on Merseyside after joining from Olympiakos last summer, with a hamstring problem suffered in December keeping him sidelined for almost a month.

Osman believes his team-mate's presence could be crucial as the campaign reaches its conclusion and hopes he will remain in the frame.

"Kevin can light up a game at times. It's important that we try and get him in the game as much as possible," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"You might get 20 minutes when he's not in the game, but when he is we all know what he can produce.

"He's certainly showed he's got the quality.

"At times he's been a real plus for us the way he goes about his job and the skill he's got. It's vital we try and keep him out there more.